San Andreas, CA…The Calaveras County Office of Emergency Services has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to support Calaveras Public Health due to concerns regarding the spread and impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The EOC’s primary focus will be coordinating a multi-agency response to the continually evolving challenges regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. Calaveras OES is diligently coordinating efforts with state, regional, and local agencies: Health Department, Ambulance Services, Fire Departments, Mark Twain Hospital, Law Enforcement, and American Red Cross are some.

The EOC will be releasing accurate up to date information to assist citizens in making the best decisions while navigating their daily activities. There is no significant community exposu re at this time. However, lab testing for COVID-19 has been expanded for people living in Calaveras County. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19 illness should call their healthcare provider immediately for evaluation. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

As of today, the California Department of Public of Health has provided new guidance on public gatherings. To protect public health and slow the rate of transmission of COVID-19, gatherings as described below should be postponed or cancelled across the state of California for at least the remainder of the month of March.

The California Department of Public Health finds the following:
• Large gatherings that include 250 people or more should be postponed or canceled.
o This includes gatherings such as concerts, conferences, and professional, college, and school sporting events.
• Smaller gatherings held in venues that do not allow social distancing of six feet per person should be postponed or canceled.
o This includes gatherings in crowded auditoriums, rooms or other venues.
• Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should be limited to no more than 10 people.
o This includes gatherings such as those at retirement facilities, assisted living facilities, developmental homes, and support groups for people with health conditions.
• A “gathering” is any event or convening that brings together people in a single room or single space at the same time, such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, cafeteria, or any other indoor or outdoor space.

Per the California Department of Public Health, this applies to all non-essential professional, social, and community gatherings regardless of their sponsor. Gatherings that do not meet the aforementioned criteria should only be conducted when they are essent ial—that is, if the activity is essential and could not be postponed or achieved without gathering, meaning that some other means of communication could not be used to conduct the essential function. Please see guidance for gatherings for additional information. https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Guidance.aspx

Calaveras Public Health strongly recommends that the public do the following to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean surfaces that are touched often, like toys and doorknobs.

Older adults and people with serious medical conditions – like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes – are urged to take e xtra steps to protect yourself from COVID-19.

These high-risk groups should:
• Stay at home and avoid crowds as much as possible.
• Get food brought to your house by friends, family, or neighbors.
• Have a plan if you get sick.
• Stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors.
• Have a back-up person if your caregiver gets sick.

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19 illness should call their healthcare provider immediately for evaluation.